Ganderbal, Jan 11: A two-storey residential house owned by Mehraj-ud-Din Sheikh, the son of late Haji Ali Mohammad Sheikh, was engulfed in a devastating fire at Sheikh Mohalla, Tehsil Gund, in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on late Wednesday evening. The flames not only reduced the structure to ashes but also claimed lakhs of rupees worth of belongings.
Local residents reported a sudden fire in the two-storey residence, causing the swift collapse of the building and the irreparable loss of valuable assets.
Emergency responders, including Gund Police, 34 Assam Rifles Gund Company, CRPF 118 Battalion, SDRF Gund Component, Fire Services from Kangan and Gund, Tehsildar Gund, Naib Tehsildar, Patwari, and other officers, rushed to the scene. Unfortunately, despite their concerted efforts, the fire had already engulfed the entire house, preventing further salvage.
Residents expressed concern about the inadequacy of the single fire services vehicle and staff shortage at the Gund fire station, highlighting the urgent need for an upgraded vehicle.
Tehsildar Gund, Javed Iqbal, assured that the affected family would receive the necessary support during this challenging time.
Meanwhile, a plea for solidarity emerged as locals from the entire sub urged donations for the affected family, aiming to help them rebuild their lives after this tragic incident.
Meanwhile, the entire team of the Ganderbal Press Association, led by President Mir Aftab and Vice President G N Raina, visited the site and reassured the affected family that all their requirements would be conveyed to the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal.
It’s noteworthy that the house also belonged to Sheikh Anees, a Senior Member of the Ganderbal Press Association.
Chairman Irfan Raina and other members of the Civil Society in Tehsil Gund, along with senior citizens of Tehsil Gund, expressed their solidarity with Sheikh Anees.